What if you suddenly met an alien-like creature? What if your younger brother's teacher had an evil copy? What would it feel like to explore the massiveness of the universe and then the microscopic world of a cell? These questions provide the basic plot for Madeleine L'Engle's sci-fi adventure story A Wind in the Door, the sequel to her popular A Wrinkle in Time.
SUMMARY
One day, Meg Wallace comes home from school and is promptly told by her younger brother Charles that there are dragons in their garden. Meg, Charles, and their friend Calvin soon discover it is a cherub (though he insists on being called "cherubim" as there are many "parts" of him) named Proginoskes, nicknamed Progo. They also meet a supposedly human-like being named Blajeny and Louise the snake, both of whom are Teachers. Blajeny begins teaching Progo, Calvin, Meg, and Charles.
Evil beings called Ecthrois, they discover, are seeking to destroy the universe. How? By "un-Naming things." Despite a personal grudge against Charles' school teacher Mr. Jenkins, Meg must "Name" Mr. Jenkins (i.e. pointing out the real Jenkins from a number of Ecthroi copies).
It is later discovered that the Ecthroi are destroying Charles Wallace's cell-like farandolae. Meg and Jenkins must journey inside "C.W.'s" cells to combat the Ecthroi. In the end, in order to save Charles, a final sacrifice must be made.
CONTENT
There is the presence of violence in the book, though none of it is described in great detail. The final battle inside Charles Wallace is a bit tense, but no gore is described.
I don't recall language or anything else inappropriate in the story.
A Wind in the Door is an exciting and interesting science fiction adventure, but there is some false religion. The author claims to be Episcopalian, though there are dark beings, meditation-styled actions, and that there is good at the center of everyone.
The story is great for older kids (like somewhere in the 11-14 age range), being able to discern between the truth of the Bible and the false spiritual practices in A Wind in the Door. If you have not read the first book in the Time Quartet (A Wrinkle in Time), I would suggest reading that one first, otherwise you might be lost. A Wind in the Door was enjoyable and exciting, though slightly littered with some less than noble content.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Number of pages: 203
Author of book: Madeleine L'Engle
Published in: 1973
Second of a four-book series
Primary audience: Pre-teens, teens
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